Thursday March 10, 2016

From Yoobee student to entrepreneur in a few short weeks – graphic design graduate Cassidy Taylor has launched her own stationery design business in sunny Nelson. As the work keeps steadily rolling in, Cassidy reflects on the hows and whys of going it alone, and the trials and tribulations of life after ACG Yoobee.

“I graduated from ACG Yoobee Christchurch in December, and I’m missing it like crazy. It’s weird not studying, and knowing I might never study again! After finishing my Diploma of Computer Graphic Design I moved back home to Nelson, and started looking for design work both here and in Christchurch. I was doing some wedding stationery for a friend and she convinced me to start up a Facebook page to showcase my stuff. I got such a positive response from people that I decided to start my own business while I’m waiting for the right job to come up.

It’s going super-well! I officially launched Anchor Designslast month, and already have a steady amount of work to keep me busy. I’ve just finished business cards for Masie Quinn Designs and am currently working on a new logo for a company in Tauranga. I’m also doing home décor prints on the side, which is a lot of fun. There are lots of design businesses in Nelson and a few home décor businesses too – but they all have their own signature style, so there is room for all of us! I love the fact that by working for myself I get to design whatever I want and create my own style. It’s awesome! On the flip-side though, I’ve found it pretty challenging to try and promote myself. I’m an introvert by nature so I’ve really had to push myself to get my business out there.

Design-wise though, I feel very prepared. All the skills I learned during my course are proving invaluable in my work. I pretty much live on Illustrator now, which is hilarious because before the course I found it very confusing! My goal for now is to keep growing my business, and also hopefully find an awesome full-time job in design. I might even move back to Christchurch!

For anyone thinking of enrolling at Yoobee – do it! You’ll never look back.